The Number Of Job Scams Is Rising, But Here Are A Few Clear Signs To Look For

(PatriotPostNews.com) — Phishing is when a scammer impersonates a reputable company in order to extract private data from unsuspecting individuals. Many scammers pose as hiring managers for large companies like Indeed or Target. Employers like Target have resorted to publishing their own phishing warnings on their career pages.

Job applicants must also deal with legitimate businesses that post positions that they are not actually hiring for. These ghost jobs are often an attempt by businesses to reassure overworked employees that additional workers are on the way.

Fake job opportunities can be found on established job posting websites. The scammers will promise over-the-top opportunities like the chance to become an “influencer” or even offer cash incentives. In reality, they are looking to gain access to an individual’s banking or credit card information. Other scammers target confidential information in order to steal someone’s identity.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) lists identity theft as one of the most common types of phishing fraud. The FTC is not a law enforcement agency, but it maintains a database that facilitates data sharing between law enforcement and other investigative agencies. The database keeps information consistent, allowing different agencies to more effectively coordinate together. The database, dubbed the Sentinel Network, also allows consumers to directly report fraud to the FTC.

The FTC has warned the public that fraudsters will use trending or popular company names to fool consumers. Additionally, the agency warns that phishing attempts may offer fake coupons or send fake invoices requesting sums of money.

In a press release, the FTC revealed that over $10 billion has been reportedly stolen from consumers in 2023 alone. To combat the fraud, the FTC partnered with federal, state, and overseas law enforcement in the “largest ever crackdown” on spam phone calls, including scam calls. The FTC has initiated efforts to combat AI fraud and has warned that AI can be used to impersonate a human voice, including reproducing familiar voices.